This morning I was excited about a chance to watch my daughter's ballet practice. Once every semester, they allow the parents to observe class. As I was sitting there snapping a billion photos and enjoying myself I noticed another mom sitting there on her phone. Now, if I'm honest I'm probably on my phone, connected to everything more than I would like to be. But, when I'm at a school event, recital, rehearsal, or anything with my kids that's special I don't take my phone out. And before you say, she could've been checking for work. it was facebook. What really broke my heart was every time the daughter did something she would look at her mom, see that she wasn't watching and then her little smile would fade, replaced with a sad look. I was so happy to be able to see my little girl dance, I just couldn't figure out what was wrong with this mom.
Afterwards, I had to drop my daughter off at home and head out to church for our year end Sisterhood event. I sat down to eat with a friend and a lady I didn't know very well. She introduced herself, turns out I know her sons. We laughed about how most people only know us as so and so's mom. She told me she was happy to finally be at a women's event, since her job forces her to travel all the time. I told her I stay at home with my kids and it can be very challenging sometimes! She smiled like the older and wiser woman that she is and said “I stayed home with my boys for 11 years. I wouldn't trade that for anything. In fact I wish that's what I still was, Will and Andrew's mom.” In the corporate world she has an identity, a paycheck, and many other achievments, but she would rather be just a mom.
Her words are still ringing in my ears. Believe me there are days when I wonder what was I thinking deciding to be a stay at home mom! But when I get to watch my children grow, teach them new things, and be there for them no matter what there really is no place I would rather be.
“A man's work is from sun to sun, but a mother's work is never done.” ~Author Unknown
*I just wanted to add, this post is not to judge. I know there are some mothers who have to work. Especially where I live, a lot of them do. Being a stay at home mom is a struggle not only emotionally but we had to learn how to live on one income. That's not always easy, but we sacrifice to support me being home. If you are a working mom, I can only urge you to make the most out of the time you do have with your children. No other caregiver can take the place of you!
